Hindu Religious Tradition

My Personnel Belief System

I am not a religious person and do not actively partake in any religious practice. I do not worship at any particular church or temple nor recite scripture or text from one specific book or script on a regular basis. However, I have a belief system that I live by on a daily basis. As with most religious belief systems, my belief system is based on right and wrong, what’s morally and ethically correct. I believe we should be kind to all and should help those less fortunate. Where my belief system differs from most is that I do not believe in a higher being; someone or some entity that I have to ask for redemption, solicit for guidance or seek answers for what I cannot comprehend at times. I believe I am responsible for my conduct and should be held accountable for my actions. I seek advice from individuals whom I respect and admire. I accept the outcome of events that transpire in my life, no matter how devastating they may be.

I acquired my belief system from my parents, family, teachers and other influential individuals in my life. They taught me by words and example what is morally and ethically right. They taught me how to treat and respect others. Everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with dignity. They taught me to be tolerant. Everyone has the right to their own opinion and belief even if it differs form mine. They taught me to be open minded and not judgmental. They taught me that being different is “ok.” Not everyone is alike and differences can actually add spice to your life. They instilled in me the values of kindness, generosity, forgiveness , patience, empathy, compassion, tolerance and other virtues that I still believe in today and hope I am passing on to my children.

The benefit of my belief system is that it is universal, simple and does not discriminate. My belief system is based on what we all learned, or hopefully learned as children: Be kind and respectful to all. With some religious belief systems, followers are taught to discriminate against those that are different or deemed unworthy. Some religious belief systems instill fear in order to attain obedience and submission. Though I may not share the same beliefs and ideologies that I have mentioned, the benefits of my belief system allows for differences of opinions and tolerance. The one disadvantage I see with my belief system is the sense of not belonging to an organization or group. With most religious belief systems, the congregation meets regularly. Many of its converts are second, third, fourth and fifth generation members. Its members have a common bond and share life experiences. Besides the religious aspect of it, being a member of a church, temple, or a synagogue, is being a member of a social group.

Tradition is important in any system. As you may have guessed, I am not a Christian; however, my family celebrated Christmas and Easter every year. We did not attend church mass. We celebrated the commercial aspect of the holidays. However, we did recognize the season of giving and every year, we would donate to those less fortunate and volunteer where our services were needed. My children and I still celebrate the holidays in the same spirit. Other traditions passed down are our family gatherings. Together my family celebrates birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings, and other blessed events. Together my family seeks each other for comfort and solace in our time of need. We celebrate, mourn and later memorialize those loved ones that had once been part of our physical lives. Partly because of religion and partly because of culture and tradition, my family has memorial services for family members who are no longer with us. It is specified which years to conduct these memorial services (one, three, five,